Saturday, March 24, 2007

It's Christmas Morning!

This is a grand day! We have received presents! Piled on our doorstep! This occurrence is unprecedented! Our mail lady must have been bemused by the appearance of two cartons with our names on them.

(We also removed the propane bill from our doorknob, but we're not counting that as a gift.)

We'll give thanks alphabetically, because the gifts are of equal value to us, and our thought processes have yet to flow as smoothly as might be wished.

First, many thanks to you, Debra, for the absolutely astounding quantity, quality and variety of tea bags that caused our sleepy eyes to spring wide in shock and awe. Many of the flavors we have never before tried, and you included among the enormous selection some old favorites that you know we enjoy. We plan on having a good old-fashioned Penfield Tea Party! We haven't the words to express how we feel about this, so we will just give thanks for having met you.

And Kathy, many thanks to you for the piles of newsprint that you sent (Bonnie is at this moment happily ensconced at her command center, poring through the pages in search of intriguing tidbits. I myself am wondering if this is your fiendishly clever way of reducing your recycling load {;~)> ) You must have chortled to yourself as you enclosed the small bottles, knowing that we would ask "What are these?" After struggling with the ziplock, stripping away the plastic seal (who would want to contaminate that solution, for heaven's sake?), and prying off the cap, we discovered the tiny wand and exclaimed "bubble solution!" I am so far from my childhood beginnings that I began to wave the wand about in the air, to no effect. Bonnie finally said "Blow through it." With a mental slap upside the temple, I said "Oh. Right." and did so. And lo, there were bubbles!

We both want to say "Thank you, dear friends, for being who you are. We can ask for none better."

Well, if you must know, My Lovelies, the newsprint is not part of some diabolical plan to lower my recycling load. I do recycle at the curb and at my friend's dog kennel! She has puppies in residence just now. Ah, but I save the BEST for you two kittens ... thinking that you'll be so intrigued you'll say "a road trip is in order!"

Well, now that I think about it, the recycling bin is a bit lighter. And I don't have to fret over brown paper bags ....

You're entirely welcome. Make some bubbles for me! :) Oh and today the Police Chief saga has come to fruition. You must wait for this edition to arrive to find out who finally 'got the job' and who finally accepted!

The tea must be delicious! Scads of newprint with bubbles floating all around paints a picture of bliss! I would write more but I am off for my Sunday grocery shopping and visiting at my artist friend's in town. mark

Found him! Well, C and I found him. We did a conference call to Walt's house and with Bonnie's permission -- we're letting you know Walt is temporarily out of commission ... and in the hospital. He should be home mid-week next week and back on his feet in no time.

Oh my precious friends. I had no idea that you were under the weather Walt. I hope you're home and feeling better than ever. I haven't been round sooner as life has been prevcenting me from doing as much journaling as I desire. I just stopped round tonight to say I hoped you darlings had a joyful & blessed Easter. Is there anything you need? Take the best care of yourselves and post when you can. Miss you all. Hugs, Barb

Walt, just found out about your bypass surgery!! Thanks to Kathy for sending an update!! I was just here in your journal today wondering how you guys are!! Bonnie, you take care too!! Prayers and hugs for both of you! Get well soon and come home to us! We miss ya!! Don't worry, we will be here when you get back! Lisa

folks, bonnie isn't computer literate, and i know that many of you don't read my journal, and this is the only way i can think to let folks know what is going on with walt...(i think kathy is posting, from reading the comments here, but the last time i checked, her journal was private, so some of you might not have access, like me).

walt is very sick at this point, he feels at peace though. he and bonnie have discussed this and have opted to receive hospice care in the nursing home that he has been in. they are medicating him heavily to make him as comfortable as possible, and they are treating both him and bonnie with respect and kindness.

bonnie is hanging in there, tho there are huge changes and adjustments; they've been together for a very long time. they are loved, debra

Hey Deb! This is becoming somthing of a message board???!!!! Anyone who is interested in sending a snail mail card or message to Walt and Bonnie or Walt or Bonnie ... just e-mail me. I have the address of the hospice center and will e-mail it off to you.

Spoke with Bonnie today and as Deb wrote below, they are comfortable with Walt's decision and now our prayers are what they need.

Walt passed fairly peacefully this afternoon. Bonnie takes great comfort in this and so much more. He has touched so many lives and as his journals are here, online, he will continue to affect folks. Bonnie reminds me that Walt is now my guardian angel and is truly spiritual and surrounds us all. Hello, my friend, and welcome to a carefree existence!

http://www.beate-epp.com/gfx/Mouse7.jpg

"Goodbye to you, my trusted friend...Goodbye my friend, it's hard to die,when all the birds are singing in the sky,Now that the spring is in the air...We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun.But the wine and the song,like the seasons, all have gone..."

I will miss talking with you in the traditional way, but I'm glad that you surround me still. Love you. Debra

'It's how you fashion your life, not how you let other people fashion it for you.' That is precisely what I loved about you Walt. You fashioned your own life. You shared your own brand of humor and you gave your compassion and love willingly. Thank you my friend. Although I will miss you, I will carry you with me wherever I go. `Kathy`

I came here hoping for a positive update. I suppose in a way this is positive, at least for Walt. For me I am left empty hearted and speechless. The sadness I feel is selfish, I know, but I shall miss Walt.Until we meet again....Dorn~

Oh Bonnie, please forgive me for not reading journals much this past couple of months. Had I been diligent about it, I would have learned that Walt was ailing. I am so very sorry.

And, yes, I am crying. The two of you were the embodiment of wedded bliss, and I was always deeply touched by the love you held for each other. You showed everyone that marriage can be a loving and cherished haven for a lifetime.

Walt was so brilliant that his writings, even short ones, would amaze me. His way with words so perfect. His humor very clever.

God has a gentle, sweet, and kind man beside him now. Our great loss here, but Heaven's gain.

i've been missing your constant presence in IM. i too hope, as kathy does, that bonnie eventually will learn to 'net about. i am so very glad that the journals stay up so i can go back and read at will and leisure. grins, debra

Walt... Missing you particularly bad tonight, my friend. We are all sharing a virus...I see you grinning you stinker. I'm awake with a fever...mleh. I want you to know that I've said prayers for your Bonnie. We all love you, you old curmudgeon. And miss you bunches. ;) C.

I never got the opportunity to read your journal Walt and I am sorry about that. Any loss in J-Land is felt by all of us. Rest in peace. My condolences to your family. You have been added to J-Land Angels journal where all our blogging friends are remembered.

I've never read your journal before, and feel I have missed out. I learned of Walt's passing through Sunny's J-land Angels blog, and want to extend my condolences to Bonnie and all the family. All strength in the times ahead.

May perpetual light shine upon Walt RIP..I never knew Walts journal, a,but J/Land is a community who care, no matter what.Please accept my deepest sympathy to all of you Walts family,at this very sad time.Prayers being said.Take Care God Bless Kath astoriasandhttp://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLRHYMES

I came over via Pharmolo's journal entry. I am so sorry for your loss. I can't say that I knew Walt through his journal (and I'm sorry I didn't- it is very well written!). But J-Land is a loving, caring community and we might not get to KNOW everyone....but no matter. When a J-Lander leaves us, most drop by to pay respects, so to speak. So, from my heart to yours....your family is in my prayers.Hugs,Gina

Was sorry to hear of Walt's passing. Know that J-Land is expressing their conndolences. J-Land Angels made mention of Walt, & there's a Memorial tag of him there (with a little mouse on it), along with all the other J-Landers that have gone on ahead. God bless & keep.In my prayers,Sugarhttp://journals.aol.com/sugarsweet056/SUGARSLIFE/private but may email for admittance

Oh Walt, nearly a year gone and you have been added to J-land Angels where I would have asked you be placed had I known about the journal. Leave it to me to be totally 'out of the loop'. Like you. I'm so glad so many stopped by to offer condolences to Bonnie and your family -- I could have only wished that more folks knew of you back when. Because ... as many wrote, your journal was well written.

Miss you! Miss our chats. My rants. Your opinions on my rants. Bonnie & I remain in touch through snail mail, but maybe, just maybe, if she was touched by an angel (hint, hint), she'd turn on that laptop and just you know, mess around.

Ah, Walt. I don't think I'll ever see another Saint Patrick's Day when I don't think of you. It's been almost a year since you went away and, like so many others, I still miss your kindness and intelligence. It's a rare combination, that.

By the way, Walt, my mom will be crossing over soon. Any day now, I think. She loves small creatures too, and she loves puzzles, and she loves to laugh. I know you'll like her. Keep an eye out for her, OK? And I'll check in on Bonnie for you.

Hi Friend. You've been on my heart consistently for over a week now...what is it? I miss you, Sir. I know...hush...contrary to what I expressed about missing those who've passed...thing is...you're exempt...I didn't get to love you enough Methuselah...;) Tell Gramma hi for me...isn't she as precious as I said? ;) Smooches, C.

Well Walt, I was thinking of you the other day and Celeste was too, 'cause she asked if I was missing you. And I said, "All the time."

Today, I had a conversation with my friend Barb who grew up in Beverly where that silly jazz club used to be on upper Cabot Street. (to me it's really lower) And she said, "Sandy Berman's Jazz Club"!!! and I thought, "WOW! I can go tell Walt the name of that club now." So here I am Walt. Her to tell you the name of that jazz club that we chatted about in AIM, oh, gosh, three years ago now.

Spoke with Bonny a couple of months ago. She's okay, but struggling a bit. Good thing is, she and your aunt keep in touch.

Hey Walt, been thinking about you a lot lately. You're never far from my thoughts, but there are days when you are just there with me. I laugh sometimes because C and I will be chatting and something will come up and one of us will inevitably say, "What would Walt think of that?" Miss you.